Selling to China - by Ker D Gibbs (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

This book, authored by the head of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai during the US-China trade war, is a sobering look at the realities of the intermeshed nature of the Chinese and American economies at a time of increasing political tension. Foreign companies are caught in the middle between compliance with US laws and policies versus doing what's required to have support in China and access to the world's largest growth market. Opportunities still exist, but this is a dangerous and complicated time. This book will be of interest to professionals, economists, and scholars of US-China relations.

From the Back Cover

"Selling to China is good - really good. The down to earth advice from American business people in today's uncertain political environment is excellent! It's factual, honest, and nuanced. A must read for anyone who wants to understand China's new business environment."

- Max Baucus, U.S. Ambassador to China (2014-2017), and U.S. Senator (1978-2014)

"Selling to China is about U.S.-China relations but it's important for European businesses too. This is a practical handbook written by active business people with on-the-ground management experience."

- Jörg Wuttke, President, European Union Chamber of Commerce in China

"These business executives share their experiences in an attempt to inform the public and the policy-making community about a complicated but ultimately mutually beneficial relationship. There is no more important read than this book at this time."

- Professor Scott Rozelle, Stanford University

This book, edited by the immediate past president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, is about the opportunities and challenges facing foreign companies operating in China. It includes stories about 3M pivoting to find new market opportunities, and a single tweet about pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong that nearly shuttered the NBA in China, leading to hundreds of millions in lost revenue. The United States and China seem locked in conflict, but readers may be surprised to learn how well many American businesses have been doing in what is the largest growth market in the world for many products. Today, GM sells more cars in China than in the United States; Tesla also does well but faces intense competition from Chinese EV makers. Selling to China is a collection of essays written by C-suite executives managing foreign companies in China. Each brings a unique perspective and explains the issues in a different industry.
The editor, Ker Gibbs, first came to China in 1985 and worked in banking, consulting, and other roles giving him broad exposure to U.S.-China relations and issues American companies face in Asia.

About the Author

Ker Gibbs first came to China in 1985 and has worked in various roles giving him broad exposure to US-China relations and business issues facing American companies operating in Asia. He recently stepped down from his role as President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai.